Chapter 2: The Only Missy

Kourtney had just exited her room at the hotel.

In the hallway, a man disguised as a waiter spotted her and eagerly reached for his cell phone to make a call.

Quick as lightning, she snatched his phone and slammed it against the wall, shattering it. Then, with a swift kick to the stomach, she sent him reeling, rolling toward the stairwell where he collided with the wall before fleeing in disarray.

Adjusting her robe, she stepped into the elevator.

A car awaited her outside the hotel.

In the back seat lay an outfit prepared by Brittany.

"Why are you here?" she inquired.

Brittany, stylishly tousling her brown wavy hair, replied, "They had urgent matters. I'm available."

As the car started, Kourtney changed clothes in the back seat of the car, her movements fluid and graceful.

Glancing at the hickeys adorning Kourtney's body, Brittany exclaimed, "Wow, eventful night."

Blushing, memories flooding back, Kourtney needed to compose herself. It wasn't the time to dwell on him. She fixed her gaze out of the window, watching the city lights pass by in a blur.

"What about the things I asked you to check?" Kourtney queried.

"As you suspected, Bella Elijah is behind it," Brittany confirmed, her tone tinged with a hint of frustration.

Kourtney smiled faintly. "I had a feeling it was her."

"Also, your latest scientific research has been patented. Professor Smith, head of the lab, intends to meet you at your grandfather's party tonight," Brittany added, her voice filled with admiration for Kourtney's achievements.

"Alright."

Lost in thought, Brittany gazed at Kourtney. Who would have known that a girl not yet twenty could garner such attention in the scientific community and rival the Howard family in wealth?

After discussing work, Brittany grinned mischievously. "So, spill it. How was 'the first time'?"

Kourtney's voice was hoarse as she replied, "It was alright."

At the Plaza Hotel.

Guests streamed in, filling the ballroom with chatter and excitement.

"Did you hear? It's Mr. Elijah's 60th birthday, and he's invited Miss Kourtney!"

"Who's Miss Kourtney?"

"Johnny Elijah's eldest daughter."

"Don't they have a daughter named Bella?"

"Miss Kourtney, a few months older than Bella, was considered a jinx in her youth. After her mother's death when she was three, the family believed she was cursed and sent her to be raised by a farmer."

"What happened next?"

"Now that Miss Kourtney is approaching adulthood, Mr. Elijah wants to reintroduce her to society at his birthday celebration."

"I heard her adoptive parents passed away three years ago."

"And she was expelled from her previous school last year under mysterious circumstances."

"Sounds like she's had a rough upbringing."

"I'm curious to know what she's really like. Dinner's about to begin; why hasn't she arrived yet?"

The gossip continued among the women, their voices blending into a cacophony of speculation and intrigue.

"Missy!" someone called Bella, her name echoing through the grand hallway.

Bella Elijah turned, her heavily made-up face curious. "How did it go with my instructions?"

The other person stepped forward and whispered, "I'm certain Miss Kourtney won't be attending dinner tonight."

Bella smiled with satisfaction.

The Elijah family only had one Missy!

In the Plaza Hotel VIP lounge.

A middle-aged man scolded another. "I told you to escort Miss Kourtney directly to the dinner hall upon her arrival in New York! Why did you leave her alone halfway?"

The other man responded softly, "Mr. Elijah, Miss Kourtney insisted on exploring, and when I objected, she became agitated. I was concerned."

"You can't even keep an eye on a young girl!"

Cassie reassured Johnny Elijah, "Johnny, calm down. Miss Kourtney is unfamiliar with New York and wanted to look around. It's understandable."

"Of course, but not today. Everyone is waiting for her," Johnny Elijah snapped. "Go find her! What are you waiting for?"

The bodyguards glanced at each other, unsure of what to do.

Johnny turned to his father, Old Mr. Elijah. "Dad, it's time to begin the banquet. We can't keep the guests waiting."

"Wait for her!" Old Mr. Elijah insisted.

Johnny remained silent, his frustration palpable.

Meanwhile, Bella smirked to herself. Kourtney wouldn't show up, and Grandpa would never learn of the gift she'd sent.

As she headed toward the dinner hall, the ladies and young ladies complimented Bella on her beauty and elegance, making her beam with satisfaction.

"Where's Miss Kourtney? Why hasn't the party started?" someone inquired, their curiosity piqued.

Bella replied loudly, "My sister is new to New York. She went off to explore on her own, and she hasn't returned yet. Grandpa said we can't begin until she arrives!"

Her deliberate announcement ignited a flurry of whispers among the guests, their interest in Kourtney Elijah growing with each passing moment.

"What if she doesn't show up? Will the dinner be canceled?"

Bella shrugged helplessly. "I don't know. Grandpa insists on waiting for her."

As she finished speaking, a commotion erupted from the direction of the door, signaling the arrival of someone important.